For an easy and cost-effective way to refresh the appearance of your bathroom and kitchen surfaces, refinishing is an ideal solution to give those elements a new and updated appearance.
Story by Ann Butenas
Is your kitchen or bathroom in need of a bit of repair? If these spaces in your home are begging for a facelift but you are not ready to dive into a deep remodeling project that takes appreciable time and costs lots of money, then perhaps refinishing could be the solution.
Surface refinishing is a cost-effective alternative to replacing countertops, tile, vanities, tubs and more that are worn out, chipped, damaged, difficult to clean, or even the wrong color.
Far from a do-it-yourself project, however, quality refinishing is a craft that requires the proper materials, extensive training, and the proper technique in order to provide consistent, high-quality results. We spoke with the experts at Michael’s Resurfacing in Topeka, Kansas, to further expand our understanding of this process and how it can benefit homeowners in numerous ways.
Photos courtesy of Michael’s Resurfacing
KCH&S: What exactly is resurfacing/refinishing?
Michael’s Resurfacing: Surface refinishing is an incredibly fast, beautiful, durable, and affordable way to repair and restore ugly bathtubs, tile showers, vanities, sinks, and kitchen countertops. It makes them feel and look like new without the expense and mess of replacement. Surface refinishing is the perfect choice when you’re tired of outdated colors, unsightly chips, cracks, or other damage, scrubbing stained and moldy tile grout lines, trying to remove stains and discoloration from tubs, and/or leaking and stained tile shower pans.
KCH&S: Why would someone choose refinishing over replacing?
Michael’s Resurfacing: Refinishing saves money. The cost of replacement includes a contractor, demolition, removal, new flooring, plumbing, drywall, and more, which can send your costs through the roof. When refinishing, you are repairing and resurfacing your existing kitchen and bath surfaces, often saving up to 75% over replacement. Plus, it saves time. In most cases you’ll be using your refinished bathtub or shower and countertops in less than 48 hours. Plus, it is durable and uniquely beautiful.
KCH&S: What types of surfaces can be refinished?
Michael’s Resurfacing: Many surfaces can be resurfaced in the bathroom and kitchen. These include tubs, showers, sinks, porcelain on steel or cast iron, cultured marble, acrylic, antique tubs and sinks, ceramic tile, walls, tub surrounds, showers, floors, countertops and vanities, fiberglass, and more. Color options also range from soft and warm to deep and colorful, including stone and solid surface looks.
Photos courtesy of Michael’s Resurfacing
KCH&S: How durable is resurfacing?
Michael’s Resurfacing: With proper care and cleaning, refinished surfaces will last 15 to 20 years. Adhesion is the key to refinishing. There is a lot of science and technology that goes into producing the beautiful and durable coatings we use. The finishes we use are designed to stand up to daily use and require only the same care and cleaning as prescribed by new bathtub and kitchen countertop manufacturers. Refinished countertop surfaces are water resistant and extremely durable.
KCH&S: What should one look for in a resurfacing company?
Michael’s Resurfacing: To learn if the refinishing company you are considering does quality work and is someone you want working in your home, you will want to know if they are licensed and insured, if they have a contractor’s license, how long they have been in business, do they provide free estimates and explanations of the services they provide, do they use corrosive acids in their process, do they provide a written warranty, and are they members of the Better Business Bureau.
